Shannon punishes the Bintangs

Three votes

Very few players have ever had to leave Hong Kong for quite the same reasons as Shannon. The imminent arrival of triplets has meant a return to his Melbourne home town, where he is under the sorry misapprehansion that all the good intentions of family will in some way compensate for an amah.

Always keen to prove that he was more virile than his siamese twin Besty, triplets seem to have put an end to the argument once and for all. Fourteen games spread over a couple of seaons have provided many highlights on the Shannon reel, but for this writer none can compare to the screamer mark from a ride, turn and goal from fifty-five against Malaysia during the Asian Champs in Bangkok. One of the plays of the decade.

One of the more fortunate members of the departing sextet is Patrick Duffy, who has found himself holed up in Manila on a new work contract with Xstrata Philippines. The hairy-armed small man managed four games with the Dragons, including a stellar effort in the wet against Vietnam in Ho Chi Minh. A regular on the training track and social events as well, he is now looking at a career with the Philippine (Folders) Eagles.

Besty psyches up ahead of game one, Asian Champs 2007

A match-winner from his first game with the Dragons, in Shanghai where he kicked seven goals including the game-clincher on the siren. The man has towered over Asian footy and strutted his Zoolanda dance-style across the region.

"I've got a fantastic work opportunity that will see me based in London, Dubai and Sydney in equal portions. Just too good to refuse," he explained.

"I'll never forget the great mates I have made here, the boozy nights - actually 90% of those I can't actually remember - the tours and of course the Asian Champs win. I'm still hoping to play in the Champs this year and maybe another tour. Once a Dragon, always a Dragon."

Craig 'Bogan' Francis